Gupta-owned Tegeta threatens to cut Eskom coal supply

Eskom has assured consumers that load shedding is not a risk at this point following a report last week that the power utility was being held to ransom by the Gupta-owned coal supplier.

Last week, investigative journalism group, amaBhungane revealed that the Gupta-owned coal supplier Tegeta had threatened to cut supply to the Hendrina power station in Mpumalanga if the utility did not adhere to their price increase request.

According to leaked minutes of an Eskom meeting, managers were warned that the power station could be shut down or they would have to employ the more expensive open cycle gas turbines or implement load shedding.

Eskimo could face serious troubles if it has a coal supply of less than 20 days. But the power utility says that its Hendrina station has at least a 10-day supply of coal.

However, Eskom’s Khulu Phasiwe has assured consumers that load shedding was not a risk at this stage as they are still receiving coal from Tegeta. But, the utility will take legal action if complications arise.